Since Russia winger Andrei Kanchelskis got the winner for the visitors to North London 22 years ago, the Toffees have lost 20 and drawn four matches.
After last week’s unedifying 3-1 loss to West Ham made it one win in five Premier League fixtures, the time has come for head coach Marco Silva to break the chains of history.
As for the Gunners, it is now four wins on the bounce – in all competitions – for Unai Emery’s remodeled side. With a trying early fixture list now opening up nicely, an assault on the top four is in the works.
TALKING POINT – MOMENTUM IS THE KEY
Clubs moving in opposite directions meet at Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal are looking up after two opening defeats marked Emery’s trying succession after 22 years of Arsene Wenger, while what was once a solid start to Silva’s reign has lost its sheen.
For the Gunners, the finishing touches need to be applied for Champions League aspirations to become concrete. Their new Spanish supremo has still not overseen a clean sheet, late goals coming in the last two matches at Newcastle United and in the Europa League versus Ukraine’s Vorskla Poltava.
Sliding into our final session ahead of @Everton like... 😅 pic.twitter.com/bNgxlNKbxP
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) September 22, 2018
Uruguay centre midfielder Lucas Torreira is pushing for a first top-flight start after his excellent second-half cameo on Tyneside. A knock to the knee on Thursday could, however, extend his wait.
As for Everton, the end of new Brazil cap Richarlison’s suspension is a welcome boost. A return of three goals in three matches is outstanding.
Colombia centre-back Yerry Mina is now fit enough to make his debut. With nine goals conceded in five PL matches, he needs to show his World Cup 2018 form rather than that witnessed in a ropey half-season at Barcelona.
Silva needs these figures to click. If not, the questions will keep mounting.
KEY BATTLE – PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG V THEO WALCOTT
If Arsenal are to make the most of a promising run of fixtures, then their superstar Gabon forward will be key.
Aubameyang got a brace in Thursday’s Europa League procession. Surprisingly, this doubled his tally from the Premier League.
The Gunners next play a heavyweight on November 3. Aubemeyang needs to make hay.
Walcott represents the past for Arsenal. A 12-year stay was brought to an end last January – the same time as Aubameyang was brought in.
February’s instant return to Emirates Stadium was a painful one. Walcott lasted an hour of an unpleasant 5-1 thrashing.
He’ll hope for happier times on Sunday.
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
UNAI EMERY
“We’ve won two matches away and that’s small progress, but very important for continuing to improve our confidence. I think we are finding the balance.
“Now it’s very important, and our objective, to improve in the defensive moments.”
MARCO SILVA
“Of course the second goal was one moment with Jordan [Pickford] but the other two, we have to do better in that situation like we prepared.
“It’s something we analysed during the week. They already know what we did in the wrong way and what I expect in the next game that we don’t do the same.”
25 - Arsenal’s six games in all competitions in 2018-19 have seen a total of 25 goals scored (14 for and 11 against), at an average of 4.2 per game. Frenetic. pic.twitter.com/r0nQAkE0yA
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 20, 2018
WHAT WE THINK – ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON
These appear to be two teams moving in different directions.
Expect Arsenal to increase the downwards trend Everton are experiencing. A first clean sheet of the season will show that Emery’s plan is starting to come together.
